If you’re looking for a way to increase your milk supply, eating lactation cookies is one simple trick. However, you might have several questions about these cookies like when to eat lactation cookies.
These aren’t just regular cookies after all!
The last thing you want to do is eat them like they’re a batch of chocolate chip cookies from your grandma’s house. That’s a bad idea.
You have to understand lactation cookies, how they work, and what to expect when eating them. If you’re experiencing issues with low milk supply or want to increase your production to freeze milk for when you return to work, eating lactation cookies is a great trick!
So, pull up a chair and a cup of tea – let’s discuss all things about lactation cookies!
Related: How to Increase Breastmilk Supply After a Sudden Drop
This post may contain affiliate links for which I would receive a small commission on your purchase, at no additional cost to you.
What are Lactation Cookies?
As I mentioned, lactation cookies aren’t like a snack-type cookie. Instead, they are nutrient-dense cookies, created with all sorts of ingredients that help your body increase your breast milk supply.
Don’t worry; these ingredients aren’t scary. They are made with ingredients you’re able to find at most stores.
You can find all sorts of these pre-made cookies on the market, along with cookies mixes you create at home with some milk – like the cookie mixes you buy at the store! You also can make homemade lactation cookies – whatever works best for your needs.
How Do Lactation Cookies Work?
You might be wondering how eating cookies could possibly boost your breast milk supply.
It’s all about the ingredients!
Science proves that different herbs and foods are called galactagogues, which mean that they work with your body’s own system to support breast milk production. Instead of asking for prescription medication to increase milk supply (yes, this is available), herbs and foods can help your body increase your milk supply.
Are you wondering how galactagogues work?
Well, it’s a lot of scientific things, but in a nutshell, our bodies need several hormones to make breast milk, such as prolactin, dopamine, and estrogen. Prolactin is the significant hormone a woman’s body relies on for milk production,.
Galactagogues help to increase prolactin levels, so it also increases your breast milk supply.
Some common galactagogues include:
- Fenugreek
- Fennel Seed
- Anise Seed
- Goat’s Rue
- Nettle Leaf
- Alfalfa
- Marshmallow
- Caraway
- Blessed Thistle
- Oatmeal
The truth is this isn’t new knowledge. New moms have relied on galactagogues throughout history. We know that Hippocrates, a Greek physician, gave fennel to new moms with low milk supply!
However, it’s important to note that finding concrete scientific studies to support this is challenging. We know this works because of the thousands (or maybe millions) of mothers who have relied on these foods and herbs to increase their milk supply.
Another way that eating lactation cookies works is by helping you meet the caloric demands. Nursing mothers need to consume an average of 450 to 500 extra calories each day to support breastfeeding.
The Common Ingredients in Lactation Cookies
As I mentioned, most lactation cookies don’t include strange ingredients you wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere; they’re available at any grocery store. These are ingredients you might have in your kitchen cabinets right now!
Some brands include herbal supplements as well that are known for increasing milk supply.
Oats
I found out for myself that oats work to increase your milk supply when I had several helpings of baked oatmeal. My breasts felt like they would explode – but it was really yummy!
Oats are often a key ingredient in lactation cookies, and if you have low iron levels, oats are super helpful!
Fennel
Fennel is one of the most popular remedies that boost your milk supply. It elevates the level of prolactin, a hormone needed to support your body produce more milk.
Fenugreek
Many mothers have tried fenugreek; it’s one of the main ingredients used in lactation cookies. You also can take it as a stand-alone supplement to increase your breast milk supply.
Typically, low dosages of fenugreek will have no impact on breastfeeding and your supply. Breastfeeding mothers need dosages of at least 3500 mg of fenugreek to see a difference in your breastmilk supply.
Flax Seeds
Many recipes and ingredient lists for lactation cookies include flax seed; these are known for estrogenic properties. Those properties help mothers produce more breast milk.
Some women note that they prefer flaxseed oil rather than whole flaxseed.
Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s Yeast is another common ingredient found in lactation cookies. You don’t want to consume more than three tablespoons per day.
Pay attention to your body as you consume Brewer’s Yeast. Some mothers note that it makes their babies feel gassy or fussy.
Wheat Germ
This ingredient contains zinc, which is a must-have for nursing moms! Zinc helps your immune system, and it even helps protect cracked nipples.
Doctors say it also helps with postpartum depression!
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is all the rage right now, so it’s no surprise it’s added to lactation cookies. We know that it is a source of amino acids and fatty acids. It’s also reach in zinc!
When to Eat Lactation Cookies
The best time to eat lactation cookies varies on your schedule. Since most ingredient lists include a lot of oats, you should notice a boost in your supply the same day.
Typically, you’ll want to eat a cookie one to two hours before feeding your baby or pumpkins. You might start the day by eating a cookie with your morning coffee.
Eat another two hours before your last feeding session of the day as well.
How Often Do You Eat Lactation Cookies?
Lactation cookies need to be eaten daily to reap the true benefits. Don’t expect to eat them once and magically have a better milk supply.
It won’t happen.
Most mothers commit to eating lactation cookies several times throughout the day for several weeks to make sure their supply of milk is solid.
How Many Lactation Cookies Should I Eat Per Day?
Most women aren’t going to eat lactation cookies by the dozen, unless they want their breasts to feel super engorged.
Start the day by eating a lactation cookie, and if you want, it’s fine to eat another one or two lactation cookies.
It’s important to remember that lactation cookies do more than boost your milk supply; the ingredients provide you with vitamins and minerals you need. As long as the ingredient list doesn’t include Brewer’s Yeast, a handful of lactation cookies per day won’t hurt you.
Read the ingredients and recommendations when you decide how many lactation cookies to eat. Nearly every company has a recommendation for mothers.
What Happens If You Eat Too Many Lactation Cookies?
You should always follow the recommended serving size for lactation cookies if you don’t want unpleasant side effects.
Typically, if you eat too many of these cookies, you might end up bloating, gassy, having loose stool, or feeling unwell.
All you have to do is stop consuming the cookies until the symptoms subside. It won’t take long; most of the ingredients are out of your system within a day or two.
How Long Does It Take for Lactation Cookies to Work?
How long lactation cookies take to work depends on the ingredients. Some ingredients work faster than others, so take a look at the ingredients included in the cookies you eat (or make).
Here are some things to consider when determine how long does it take for lactation cookies to work.
- Oats boost your milk supply within one to two hours, but the effects don’t last long. Don’t expect the effects to last all day, but it’s often the main ingredient because it works so rapidly.
- Fennel is slow acting. It takes two to three days to see an increase in your supply.
- Fenugreek varies from woman to woman. It typically sees two to three days to see any results, but it might take a week or longer to see results.
- Flax seeds (or oil) take upwards of one week.
- Brewer’s Yeast works faster, like oats, and typically offers results within 24 to 36 hours.
How to Store Lactation Cookies
Whether you bake your own at home or buy some from the store, you won’t eat a whole batch super fast, so you need to know how to store lactation cookies.
Here are a few ways to store the cookies.
Freezing Lactation Cookies
If you have extra lactation cookies, keep them in an airtight container and put them in the freezer. When you need to reheat your cookies, you can let them thaw out the cookies on your counter or pop them in the microwave.
Keeping Cookies in the Fridge
If you have extra cookies you aren’t ready to eat, put them in an airtight container in the fridge. This is the easiest way to keep them good!
Freezing Cookie Dough
If you make your own lactation cookies, you can freeze the dough and make the cookies fresh later. Freeze the dough in the shape of a ball on a baking sheet, and once solid, put them in a freezer bag.
FAQs about Lactation Cookies
What Are Side Effects From Eating Lactation Cookies?
Yes, it’s possible to experience side effects from eating lactation cookies. The side effects vary from person to person, and it depends heavily on the ingredients.
For example, fenugreek supports lactation, but some mothers note it causes diarrhea. Also, many moms note that their bodies and sweat smells like maple syrup if they consume too much.
Brewer’s yeast has possible side effects, such as headaches, gassiness, and upset stomach.
Do Lactation Cookies Make You Gain Weight?
It’s possible that eating too many of these cookies could cause you to gain weight.
Remember, the only ingredients aren’t the milk-producing herbs and foods. These cookies also contain sugar and other ingredients that increase the calorie count of each cookie.
They’re still cookies!
So, if you don’t eat them in moderation, weight gain is possible but not guaranteed.
Do Lactation Cookies Cause Gassiness?
Some ingredients in lactation cookies on the market might lead to gassiness for you or your baby. Pay attention to how your baby reacts after you consume these cookies.
I know when I first wanted to try lactation cookies, I had so many questions like when to eat lactation cookies and if my baby would have side effects. I hope I answered all the questions you have, and if I didn’t, drop them in the comments!
